Russian Language Teachers from Latvia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Visit UMD

Russian language teachers from Latvia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan visit UMD as part of the NSLI-Y program, exploring new teaching methods, exchanging ideas, and experiencing campus life. Read more about their visit and cultural exchange!

Teachers of the Russian language from Latvia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan visited the University of Maryland’s School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. The group is part of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, which promotes the study of critical languages.

During their visit, the teachers observed Russian language classes at all levels—beginner through advanced—and interacted with students and faculty in the Russian Department. They discussed teaching materials for various proficiency levels, reviewed textbooks used at UMD and engaged in discussions about exams, homework and course structure. The teachers compared UMD’s Russian language programs with those in their home countries.

The group toured the campus, visiting the Stamp Student Union bookstore, dining at the food court and stopping by the campus farmers market before returning to Washington, D.C. The next day, they are scheduled to travel to Philadelphia for additional events. They will then return to their home countries, where they plan to apply the teaching methods and insights gained during their visit to improve Russian language instruction for non-native speakers.

The Russian Department expressed gratitude to graduate assistant Hande Ozdemir for her role in organizing the visit, as well as to the SLLC administration for providing thoughtful gifts for the guests.